5 Key Takeaways From The East Ridge HS Football 2024 Season: The Emergence Of QB Karon Palmer Jr.

The East Ridge High School Knights football program in Clermont, Florida, is navigating a challenging but pivotal era under Head Coach Donnie Burchfield, with the recently concluded 2024 season serving as a crucial stepping stone for the team's future development. As of December 17, 2025, the focus has shifted entirely to the 2025 campaign, but the 2024 season—marked by a difficult 1-9 Division I record—was far from uneventful, highlighted by the undeniable emergence of a dynamic young quarterback who has become the cornerstone of the Knights' offense. The Knights, who compete in the challenging 7A District 9, demonstrated flashes of competitive spirit and offensive firepower, despite the overall record. Their single, hard-fought victory against Celebration High School provided a blueprint for the team's potential, showcasing the talent that Head Coach Burchfield and his staff are actively working to cultivate within the Clermont high school football landscape. The program is banking on its young stars to transform tough lessons learned into a competitive edge for the upcoming years.

The Donnie Burchfield Era: Coach Profile and Program Direction

The East Ridge Knights football program is currently being shaped by Head Coach Donnie Burchfield, who took the reins in 2022. Burchfield is a veteran of Lake County Florida football, bringing over two decades of coaching experience within the region to the East Ridge campus. His tenure is focused on building a sustainable, competitive culture within the East Ridge High School athletic department.

Head Coach Donnie Burchfield Biography & Staff

• Full Name: Donnie Burchfield
• Current Role: Head Football Coach, East Ridge High School (Clermont, FL)
• Tenure at East Ridge: Began in 2022
• Coaching Experience: 20+ years coaching at various high schools in Lake County, Florida.
• Team Division: 7A District 9
• Key Staff Addition: Recently hired Matt McGonigal as the new Offensive Coordinator, signaling a commitment to developing an explosive offensive scheme.
• Philosophy Insight: Coach Burchfield has been vocal about his commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the field, often featuring players like Karon Palmer Jr. on local podcasts to discuss the team's progress.

Burchfield's commitment to the program extends beyond the field, focusing on community engagement and player development. The addition of Offensive Coordinator Matt McGonigal is a strategic move designed to inject new life and innovative concepts into the Knights' offensive schemes, which is crucial for maximizing the potential of the team's emerging talent. The coaching staff also includes Assistant Coaches such as Frank Scott, Anthony DiCunto, Rod Daily, and Sean Wright, forming a dedicated team focused on the program's turnaround.

The 2024 Season Review: The Rise of Karon Palmer Jr.

The East Ridge Knights 2024 season was a year of growing pains, concluding with a tough 1-9 record in Division I play. Despite the challenging results, the season was a pivotal moment for the program as it witnessed the spectacular emergence of its future star quarterback. The team's lone victory, a tight 16-13 win over Celebration, provided a glimpse into the team's potential when all phases click.

Karon Palmer Jr.: The Driving Force of the Knights' Offense

The most significant story of the East Ridge HS football season was the performance of junior quarterback Karon Palmer Jr.. Palmer, a standout member of the Class of 2027, quickly established himself as the engine of the Knights' offense. His dynamic play style and maturity under center have made him a must-watch East Ridge football recruiting prospect for the coming years. Palmer's 2024 statistics are a testament to his impact, particularly in a rebuilding year. He was the driving force behind the team's passing attack, throwing for an impressive 2,098 yards. This high-volume production, even in a losing season, demonstrates the potential for an explosive offense once the supporting cast develops. His ability to move the ball and lead the team has provided a solid foundation for the Knights football program to build upon.

Key Players and The Knights' Future Outlook

The 2024 season helped identify a core group of talented players who will be essential to the East Ridge Knights' future outlook. While Palmer commanded the passing game, other players stepped up to lead in rushing and receiving, showcasing the depth of talent that Coach Burchfield is developing. The overall team performance, though disappointing in the win column, was critical for developing experience in a difficult district.

Offensive and Defensive Leaders (2024 Season)

The Knights' offense was not a one-man show. Key playmakers emerged to complement Karon Palmer Jr.'s passing game:

• Uriah Maynard (Sr.): A versatile athlete who led the team in Rushing Yards Per Game. Maynard's ability to play multiple positions (RB, WR, CB) made him a crucial two-way player for the Knights.
• Brody Vanlysal (Jr.): Stepped up as a primary target in the passing game, leading the team in Receiving Yards Per Game. Vanlysal's role as a wide receiver, free safety, and running back highlights the multi-faceted athleticism of the squad.
• Dylan Bogun (Jr.): A key player on the 2024 roster, listed as a junior, whose continued development will be vital for the 2025 campaign.
• Ke'andre Mccormick (Sr.): An important senior leader whose performance in the defensive backfield and as a receiver provided necessary stability.

Recruiting and The Road to the 2025 Season

The future of East Ridge football is inextricably linked to its recruiting success and player development. With Karon Palmer Jr. (Class of 2027) already garnering attention, the program has a high-profile anchor for its future offenses. The focus for the 2025 season will be on improving the team's performance in the 7A District 9 and translating the individual success of players like Palmer into more wins. The coaching staff, under the direction of Donnie Burchfield, is tasked with improving the team's overall record and climbing the State Division Rank. The 2025 schedule, which will be released in the coming months, will be a crucial test for the Knights to show they have learned from the challenges of the previous year. The community and fans of Clermont High School football are eagerly anticipating a more competitive season, fueled by the promise of their young quarterback and the strategic changes in the coaching staff. The goal remains to establish the East Ridge Knights as a consistent contender in Central Florida high school athletics.